1967 Sprite started to sputter /hesitate...help?

[Stoney]

Hi guys, I am a new member... A fellow owner directed me to this forum. I have had a rebuilt 1967 1275cc Sprite for around two weeks. The car has been gone through. It has run fine until today, while coming back home it started to sputter, knock almost cut off then lurch back into firing. This happened in all forward gears. I use only high-test gas, and the oil, filters, etc. are good. New Coil and plugs and points... Any ideas out there before I chance going to a Euro-Tech mechanic (If I can get the car there?) Thanks, Stoney

 

[Billm]

Re: 1967 Sprite started to sputter /hesitate...hel

Sounds like a bad condensor to me. Cheap to try and remember that even brand new ones have been known to be bad so if you just changed it with the points it still could be bad.
Bill

 

[spritenut]

Re: 1967 Sprite started to sputter /hesitate...hel

The new india made rotors are junk in a box too.
2 weeks is about their life expectancy.
You might have a clogged gas cap vent.
When it dies, remove the gas cap, if you hear a rush of air, get a new cap or just slice the rubber gasket.
Fuel in the float bowls might be low.
Fuel pump dying? Do you hear it ticking when you turn on the key?

 

[Stoney]

Re: 1967 Sprite started to sputter /hesitate...hel

Thanks guys... I do hear the fuel pump okay, and the gas cap is okay. I may try the condensor...

 

[RobSelina]

Re: 1967 Sprite started to sputter /hesitate...hel

check the vent line on the carb for obstructions too, but based on your description and the similar experiences of others, my money is also on the condensor!

 

[Stoney]

Re: 1967 Sprite started to sputter /hesitate...hel

Well guys, I changed the condensor, coil, and fuel filter... still eratic. I'm moving on the points, and Lord help me... the Webber Carbs. Any things to remember if it goes to the carbs? Thanks, Stoney

 

[RobSelina]

Re: 1967 Sprite started to sputter /hesitate...hel

oh you have webbers? well that's the problem! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[regularman]

Re: 1967 Sprite started to sputter /hesitate...hel

You have more than one weber carb? Do a bit of troubleshooting. Is the misfiring on an one or two cylinders only? or is it irratic as in any cylindr at any time? If you have a weber, check the fuel filter screen that screws into the carb where the gas line comes in. It unscrews with a wrench and has a brass filter media similar to a oil furnace nozzle screen.

 

[Stoney]

Re: 1967 Sprite started to sputter /hesitate...hel

Thanks, I check the screen tomorrow.

 

[Hap Waldrop]

Re: 1967 Sprite started to sputter /hesitate...hel

It's either spark or fuel, all advice above is solid, we tend to give advice based on our last problem experienced, so I'll add this, check the timng if the distributor clamp was left loose the timing will retard itself, make the car, spit sputter and slow to crank, if it does crank at all. When you get the car timed properly if that is the problem, take a permanent marker and put a mark index mark on the distributor and clamp, so if it ever moves again, you know it, also if you ever have to pull the distributor for any reason, you've got a quick reference of where to re-install it.

 

[Stoney]

Re: 1967 Sprite started to sputter /hesitate...hel

Thanks guys...good advice. A friend of mine who is a lot better on points is coming over. I figure with all that I have done, and points/timing... that leaves the carbs. By the way...a fellow told me they made a bolt on fuel injector set up to boot with a Webber mount? Does anyone know if this is true? Thanks, Stoney